Lopressor HCT (Metoprolol Tartrate and Hydochlorothiazide) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 27, 2012

Lopressor HCT

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) »

What are calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and how do they work?

Calcium channel blockers are drugs that block the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and arteries.

The entry of calcium is critical for the conduction of the electrical signal that passes from muscle cell to muscle cell of the heart, and signals the cells to contract.
It also is necessary in order for the muscle cells to contract and thereby pump blood.
In the arteries, the entry of calcium into muscle cells causes contraction of the cells and thereby dilates (widens) the arteries.
Thus, by blocking the entry of calcium, calcium channel blockers reduce electrical conduction within the heart, decrease the force of contraction (work) of the muscle cells, and dilate arteries.
Dilation of the arteries reduces blood pressure and thereby the effort the heart must exert to pump blood.
Combined with decr...

Read the Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) article »

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Lopressor HCT User Reviews >>

Lopressor HCT

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Lopressor HCT®
(metoprolol tartrate USP and hydrochlorothiazide USP)
50/25 Tablets
100/25 Tablets
100/50 Tablets

Beta Blocker/Diuretic Antihypertensive

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Lopressor HCT (metoprolol tartrate and hydochlorothiazide) has the antihypertensive effect of Lopressor®, metoprolol tartrate, a selective betai-adrenoreceptor blocking agent, and the antihypertensive and diuretic actions of hydrochlorothiazide. It is available as tablets for oral administration. The 50/25 tablets contain 50 mg of metoprolol tartrate USP and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide USP; the 100/25 tablets contain 100 mg of metoprolol tartrate USP and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide USP; and the 100/50 tablets contain 100 mg of metoprolol tartrate USP and 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide USP. Metoprolol tartrate USP is (±)-1-(Isopropylamino)-3-[p-(2-methoxyethyl)phenoxy]-2-propanol L-(+)-tartrate (2:1) salt, and its structural formula is

Metoprolol tartrate structural formula illustration

Metoprolol tartrate USP is a white, crystalline powder. It is very soluble in water; freely soluble in methylene chloride, in chloroform, and in alcohol; slightly soluble in acetone; and insoluble in ether. Its molecular weight is 684.82.

Hydrochlorothiazide is 6-chloro-3, 4-dihydro-2 H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7- sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide, and its structural formula is

Hydrochlorothiazide structural formula illustration

Hydrochlorothiazide USP is a white, or practically white, practically odorless, crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution, in n-butylamine, and in dimethylformamide; sparingly soluble in methanol; slightly soluble in water; and insoluble in ether, in chloroform, and in dilute mineral acids. Its molecular weight is 297.73.

Inactive Ingredients: Cellulose compounds, colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Yellow No. 10 (100/50-mg tablets), FD&C Blue No. 1 (50/25-mg tablets), FD&C Red No. 40 and FD&C Yellow No. 6 (100/25-mg tablets), lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, sodium starch glycolate, corn starch, stearic acid, and sucrose.

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol (Lopressor HCT)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat;
easy bruising or bleeding;
numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Lopressor HCT »

What are the precautions when taking metoprolol tartrate and hydochlorothiazide (Lopressor HCT)?

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to metoprolol or hydrochlorothiazide; or to other thiazide diuretics (such as chlorothiazide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain types of heart rhythm problems (such as a slow heartbeat, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, sick sinus syndrome), an inability to make urine (anuria).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood...

Read All Potential Precautions of Lopressor HCT »

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/9/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.